2012 -- H 7696

=======

LC01631

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

A N A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS

     

     

     Introduced By: Representative John M. Carnevale

     Date Introduced: February 16, 2012

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1-1

     SECTION 1. Title 45 of the General Laws entitled "TOWNS AND CITIES" is hereby

1-2

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

1-3

     CHAPTER 24.6

1-4

SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS

1-5

     45-24.6-1. Definitions. – The following terms, as used in this chapter, shall have the

1-6

following meanings:

1-7

     (1) "Small wind energy system" means a wind energy conversion system consisting of a

1-8

wind turbine, pole/tower and/or roof mounting bracket, and associated control or conversion

1-9

electronics which has a rated capacity of not more than ten kilowatts (10 kwh) and which is

1-10

intended to reduce on-site consumption of utility power.

1-11

     (2) "Pole/tower height" means the height of the pole/tower measured from the natural

1-12

grade of the land to the top of the pole/tower excluding the wind turbine.

1-13

     (3) "Blade ground clearance" means the distance measured at the lowest point of any arc

1-14

of a blade tip to the natural grade of the land.

1-15

     (4) "Roof mounted system" means a system mounted to a roof with a tripod bracket

1-16

system that has a rated capacity between one-half kilowatts (1/2 kwh) and two kilowatts (2 kwh).

1-17

     45-24.6-2. Small wind energy systems permitted. – The installation of small wind

1-18

energy systems in this state shall be permitted subject to the zoning regulations set forth in section

1-19

45-24.6-3.

2-20

     45-24.6-3. Contents of zoning ordinances. – All municipal zoning ordinances shall

2-21

include, at a minimum, the following provisions regulating the installation of small wind energy

2-22

systems.

2-23

     (1) Minimum ground clearance for pole/tower systems shall be no less than twenty feet

2-24

(20');

2-25

     (2) The allowable pole/tower height shall be determined by the lot size as follows:

2-26

     (i) On any lot that is less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 sq ft), the height shall be

2-27

subject to the approval of the local zoning board following hearing;

2-28

     (ii) On any lot that is between ten thousand square feet (10,000 sq ft) and forty thousand

2-29

square feet (40,000 sq ft) the height shall be a maximum of eighty feet (80');

2-30

     (iii) On any lot that is greater than forty thousand square feet (40,000 sq ft) the height

2-31

may exceed eighty feet (80'), subject to any applicable federal air space regulations.

2-32

     (3) Set backs shall be as follows:

2-33

     (i) For pole/tower systems the minimum set backs shall be no less than one and one-half

2-34

(1.5) times the diameter of the turbine blades and the guy wires set back a minimum of ten feet

2-35

(10') from the property lines.

2-36

     (4) Design standards shall require that the pole/tower to be a neutral, non-reflective color

2-37

so as to blend into the surrounding environment. Visible flags, reflectors or reflective tape shall

2-38

be placed on the anchor points of guy wires and along the guy wire up to a height of ten feet (10').

2-39

     (5) Signage shall be limited to that which is necessary to identify the manufacturer,

2-40

owner, twenty-four (24) hour contact phone number and any necessary safety warnings.

2-41

     (6) Safety standards that require all wind turbines to be equipped with an automatic

2-42

braking, governing or feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation, over speeding and

2-43

excessive pressure on the pole/tower.

2-44

     45-24.6-4. Permits and fees. – Prior to the installation of any small wind energy system

2-45

a permit shall be obtained from the local governing body. The following fees may be imposed:

2-46

     (1) Roof mounted systems: fifty dollars ($50.00);

2-47

     (2) Pole/tower systems:

2-48

     (i) Up to forty feet (40') in height: one hundred dollars ($100).

2-49

     (ii) Above forty feet (40') in height: one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

2-50

     45-24.6-5. Inspection required. – A structural and electrical inspection shall be

2-51

conducted by the local governing official following the installation of any small wind energy

2-52

system.

2-53

     45-24.6-6. Utility notification. – No small wind energy system shall be installed until

2-54

evidence has been provided that the utility company has been informed of the customers intent to

3-1

install an interconnected customer owned generator. Off grid energy systems shall be exempt

3-2

from the provisions of this section.

3-3

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

=======

LC01631

========

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS

***

4-1

     This act would allow the installation of small wind energy systems subject to regulations

4-2

and standards.

4-3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

     

=======

LC01631

=======

H7696